Bhubaneswar, Mar 13: Amid growing concerns over possible cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to party MLAs, asking them to attend a series of important meetings and training sessions scheduled between March 13 and March 16.

In his letter, Patnaik directed BJD legislators to attend a presentation on the Rajya Sabha election procedure at Naveen Niwas on March 13 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The session is aimed at familiarising MLAs with the voting process and ensuring they clearly understand the rules governing the election.

On March 14, another training programme on the rules and procedures for the Rajya Sabha polls will be organised at Naveen Niwas during the same time slot. Party leaders believe these sessions will help MLAs avoid any confusion during the voting process.

Additionally, a meeting of the BJD Legislature Party has been scheduled for March 16 between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm at Naveen Niwas. All party MLAs have been instructed to remain present for the meeting.

The developments come at a time when political parties are taking precautionary steps amid fears of cross-voting. Meanwhile, the Congress has shifted its MLAs to Bengaluru in what is widely viewed as “resort politics” to keep its legislators together before the Rajya Sabha election.

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